Whose company is Skype? History of Skype: Interesting things about Skype. Where does Skype work?

Who invented Skype

Before you hack a bot or how to trick a bot, it’s worth understanding what a “bot” is. Speaking in simple language, a bot is an assistant program that will unquestioningly execute all commands given to it in Telegram. For example, in the morning he can offer a selection of news interesting to the user, and in the evening he can recommend a movie.

To perform data and similar functions, these little assistants use the same interfaces as regular users.

"Language" of bots

Before you start hacking a bot, you first need to know what the client code looks like and what language it uses.

You might think that C# (C Sharp), which is a very popular and modern programming language, was used to write the program. It gained popularity due to the autonomy of the program, great functionality and small amount of RAM.

But that's not true for computer version C++ was used, for Android – Java. Also acceptable languages ​​for bots are:

• HTML;
• Python;
• JavaScript.

Payment in Telegram

Telegram is an intermediary in financial transactions. The client sends the necessary data with his credit card specifically to the payment system. Then the answer payment system and all the necessary information is transferred to the bot developer, after which he can process and complete the operation.

Here bots greatly simplify buying and selling for both parties. The buyer can purchase any product from the seller from any corner of the world and at any time of the day. And for the seller, auto sales occur, since he does not need to constantly sit in the application and wait for buyers.

However, any disputed payments are the responsibility of the bot developers and payment system providers, since Telegram is not directly involved in financial transactions.

Hack a bot

Most programs that promise to hack a bot operate according to the same system:

1. Download program.
2. Launch the downloaded application.
3. Act.

In most cases, a site that offers and assures that a “crack” can easily bypass the Telegram security system and deceive the bot is malicious, and you absolutely cannot download, let alone run, a downloaded program, for the safety of your device.

Theoretically, such a program can be created completely by studying the encryption protocol and spending a lot of time writing such an algorithm. However, it is impossible to find such a program in open forums.

Telegram sender

In essence, this program is a regular spammer. A group of developers found a small way to bypass the protection and created their own program. The program works easily:

1. Write some text.
2. Payment.
3. Get the result.

Scripts

Scripts in the Telegram application are used to automate any action or create a bot. You can easily download them from the official website of the developers.

You can also use scripts to deceive a bot in Telegram. After all, a bot is a program that works according to a certain algorithm. So, an attacker simply needs to reproduce certain query algorithms, namely certain plugins that specifically generate questions in such a way that the bot allows you to purchase a certain product for free.

Hard to imagine modern world without Skype, but few people know when it appeared. This service allows you to exchange not only text messages, but also make voice and video calls. The year 2003 was marked by innovations that changed the digital world forever. Since its inception, there have been many incremental changes to improve the interface, so a user with basic skills can quickly get used to it.

Historical excursion

Skype has paid and free versions, and therefore everyone will be able to choose the appropriate option. The developers were able to integrate Facebook with the messenger, and this saved more time. It is difficult to come up with a program that could enjoy such enormous popularity, and therefore the history of its creation is important.

First stage

As soon as work in the messenger begins, users often want to get answers to simple questions: “In what year and where was Skype invented?” Estonia is a country where they worked:

• Ahti Heinla;
• Priit Kazesalu;
• Jaan Tallinn.

They were able to create the KaZaA file sharing service, which was very popular in its time. The Scandinavians were the first to not only invent, but also implement the idea of ​​a program that allows you to maintain constant contact with family and friends, no matter where they are. Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom were able to invent Skype, in the form in which it became known to the general public.

Then they came up with a simple but brilliant idea - to provide every user with constant access to the Internet the opportunity for unlimited communication. The date of the first official release is August 29, 2003. Country of residence was no longer of fundamental importance, since it was possible to contact someone in just a few seconds and absolutely free. At some point, the program became not only in demand, but also one of the indispensable ones.

First profit

Without knowing who invented Skype, it is difficult to speculate about their true intentions as developers. The bright and memorable appearance of the messenger did not provide any profit, but efforts should not be in vain. When users were able to make direct calls to regular numbers using reduced prices, the first profits were not long in coming. Belonging to the list of profitable projects is not an easy task, but Skype managed to adequately withstand the competition. Wikipedia writes that after 2 years the company’s capitalization was about $35 million per quarter, and this is where many interesting events begin.

In 2005 largest auctioneBay came to belong to the messenger. It was difficult to predict the final result of such a deal, but everyone felt there was great benefit from it. 2006 was marked by an increase in the company's revenue, which in monetary terms amounted to about 195 million dollars. Who came up with the idea of ​​total improvements in the program is a mystery, but we can talk about an impeccable strategy and plan. Ebay was able to bring Skype to new level, constantly engaging active users.

A short-term coma in the company's development occurs in November 2009, when Ebay decides to sell a controlling stake (70% for $2.5 billion). It is noteworthy that the original founders received seats on the board and 14% of the shares. They no longer claimed more and relieved themselves of legal responsibility.

Together with Microsoft

In 2011yearMicrosoft decided to make a valuable acquisition, exchanging $8.5 billion for a controlling stake in the companySkype. This deal turned out to be unprecedented in terms of the amount of money spent. The board of the company had its own plans, and therefore they painlessly parted with such an amount. The messenger is available in almost all countries, and even Russia, having such a large extent, does not experience problems.

Innovations

Today Skype can be downloaded to the most different devices and platforms ranging from Windows to Linux. New markets continue to expand, and this requires a certain mobility of developers.

The messenger was able to surpass the original ideas of the creators, since the original scheme was finalized and improved. Consumers were able not only to make calls to different countries, but also conduct group sessions.

Thanks to Microsoft program managed to unlock my true potential and grow beyond just making calls. Each user is given a unique opportunity to exchange information and files in group chats. The creators are probably satisfied with the results of their work.

What is Skype? What is Skype and how to use it? Skype is one of the most popular programs for communicating on the Internet. https://site/ip-telefoniya/chto-takoe-skaip https://site/@@site-logo/logo.png

What is Skype? What is Skype and how to use it?

Skype is one of the most popular programs for communicating on the Internet.

What is Skype and how to use it?

Skype(read Skype) - this is simple computer program(already Russified), thanks to which you can call other Skype subscribers all over the world for free. Those. provides free encrypted voice and video communication over the Internet between computers (VoIP), as well as paid services for communication with subscribers of regular and mobile telephone networks. It is possible to organize a conference call (up to 25 subscribers, including the initiator), transfer text messages, files, showing your desktop, as well as video communication (currently, when using a standard client, up to two subscribers, and when using third-party plug-ins, their number is limited only by the channel bandwidth).

What is Skype? Skype offers many communication methods:

In Skype you will find many useful functions, thanks to which you will always be in touch with friends, family and colleagues, you will be able to share your thoughts and receive the information you need.

Skype can be used on both your computer and mobile phone, so you can stay connected even on the go without changing your plans. Skype works on many mobile phones and devices such as the PlayStation® Portable (PSP®). There's also a huge selection of WiFi phones and cordless phones with Skype built-in.

To get started, try sending instant messages to someone on your contact list or open a group chat where several interlocutors can communicate at once. You can set up a conference call to discuss an upcoming meeting with friends, then use the Business Review Search™ to find the perfect place to host it.

Plus, you have great video calling capabilities. All you need is a webcam, which will allow you not only to use free video calls, but also to take photographs of yourself, so that you can later use these photos on Skype.

Skype is not intended for emergency calls

Skype is not a replacement for a regular telephone and cannot be used to make emergency calls

Finding friends on Skype

If you use Microsoft Outlook®, Outlook Express® or email Yahoo!, you can import data from these applications into your Skype address book. If your friends don't have Skype yet, you can send them an invitation to download Skype, and then you can chat for free. Don't be surprised if they send you a bouquet of flowers and chocolate: these are your grateful friends. And you deserve it.

Know other MySpace users? Convince them to download Skype or MySpaceIM from Skype. Then add them to your Skype address book, and your circle of contacts will significantly expand. Just find the name of the person you need in MySpaceIM.

Adding a new friend to your address book is easy. You can also add contacts to Skype who don't already have Skype and call them on landlines and mobile phones at low rates anywhere in the world.

If in yours address book Microsoft Outlook® stores phone numbers, they will appear in your contacts list and you can easily dial them directly into Skype. To call landlines or mobile phones, you need Skype Credit or a monthly subscription.

How to use Skype at work?

Are you an individual entrepreneur? Or an employee of a multinational holding? No matter how small or impressive your company's staff may be, with Skype you can save time and money and, most importantly, always stay one step ahead of the competition.

Skype allows businesses to find their unique way of working, no matter what their goals are or where their employees are located.
Voice, chat, video conferencing and even calling and texting on mobile phones - you choose how best to convey information to your colleagues and clients. Whatever your company, download the business version of Skype and take the first step towards minimizing costs and increasing profitability.
And if stopping there is not your plan, especially for you is Skype Manager, a system for centralized management of the use of Skype throughout the entire enterprise.

Skype Manager simplifies and optimizes the exchange of business information. With just one simple online tool, you can connect colleagues to your network and give them access to the information you need. functionality Skype and save money at the same time with our very competitive rates.

Where does Skype work?

Skype works on the following operating systems Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, Windows, Windows Phone, iPhone, Windows Mobile, Google Android, PSP, Symbian.

Skype works on TV. Free video communication on a big screen right in your living room is quite possible thanks to the latest developments from companies such as LG, Panasonic and Samsung: the latest models of TVs from these manufacturers are designed to work with Skype in high definition.

Where can I download Skype?

Just follow the link for your operating system:

How to pay for Skype services?

You can deposit money into your Skype account using Diners, MasterCard or Visa. Using the payment system Moneybookers Allows you to use your credit card, debit card or bank account to securely purchase Skype products. You can also pay for purchases on Skype through the system WebMoney. SkypeOut services can also be paid through Yandex money. Thanks to the company PayByCash You can pay for purchases on Skype using the payment methods used in your country, so you can do without a credit card.

When and by whom was Skype created?

The creators of Skype are Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis.

The first Skype appeared in September 2003.

In October 2005, the company was purchased by eBay for approximately $2.6 billion (an additional $500 million was later paid), although the company's annual turnover was less than $100 million. In April 2009, eBay executives announced that in the first In the middle of 2010, Skype will be sold on the stock exchange, since the activities of this company do not fit well with the online auction business.

The company's headquarters are located in Luxembourg, with branches in London, Prague, San Jose and Tallinn.

Events

2003

• Foundation of the company

2005

• The company was bought by eBay for $2.7 billion

2007

• March: Skype 3.1 released, new features added, including Skype Find and Skype Prime. Skype 3.2 beta has also become available with new features that allow you to send money via PayPal to other users.
• August: Skype 3.5 for Windows was released, now there is support for video in the profile, as well as the ability to insert video into a chat; transfer a call to another user or group; auto repeat call.
• August 15: Skype 2.7.0.49 (beta) for Mac OS.
• August 16-17: “Black Tuesday”, as a result of a failure Skype did not work for more than a day.

2008

• January 30: Skype releases a version for Sony PSP.
• March 13: Skype 2.0 for Linux is released with video conferencing support.
• July 9: Skype 4.0 Beta released, in the fourth version new interface programs.
• September 1: Skype closes SkypeCasts.
• September 12: at unlimited tariff Unlimited Europe for $5.95 now, in addition to calls to landlines in 21 European countries, includes Russian cities - St. Petersburg and Moscow.
• December 26: Skype releases version 1.0.0 for Nokia Nst-4 in system pack v1.0.0

2009

• February 3: Skype 4.0 (Windows) released.
• March 31: Skype released a version for the Apple iPhone.
• May 12: Skype stopped supporting conferencing.
• September 1: eBay announced the sale of a 65% stake in Skype to Andreessen Horowitz investor group for $2 billion.
• November 9: Skype releases toolbar for MS Outlook

2010

• January 19: Skype - another client Russian company SPIRIT in the field of IP telephony. The quality of sound transmission has been significantly improved.
• February 19: Skype ends support for Skype Lite (Skype for Java phones) and Skype for Windows Mobile.
• April 31: Skype released a version for the Apple iPad.
• August 9: Skype files for its first share issue. The company plans to raise $100 million during the placement of shares.
• September 2: Skype adds support offline messages in chat.
• October 5: Release of a full-fledged Skype client for Android.
• October 14: Skype 5.0 (Windows) was released, the fifth version has a new program interface and the ability to make group video calls has been added.
• December 22-23: Skype crashes worldwide.
• December 23, 18:20 Moscow time: Skype has been restored.

2011

2012

In the release of the program on January 10, 2013, integration with the Outlook email client was implemented.

On January 29, 2013, Microsoft stopped supporting Windows Live Messenger, completely switching to the development of Skype.

The February 22, 2013 version of Windows 8 added file sharing functionality, allowing users to exchange documents via instant messaging.

Released on February 27, 2013, version 3.2 for the Android platform is adapted for 7-inch tablets.

On April 7, 2014, Microsoft announced the creation of Skype TX, a special Skype-based solution for television studios and radio stations. Since April 29, 2014, group video conferencing has become free. In September 2014, support for phones running the Symbian platform was discontinued.

What is Skype technology?

Unlike many other IP telephony programs, Skype uses a P2P architecture for data transmission. The Skype user directory is distributed across the computers of Skype network users, which allows the network to easily scale to very large sizes (in this moment more than 100 million users, 10-15 million online) without expensive infrastructure of centralized servers. In addition, Skype can route calls through other users' computers. This allows users behind a NAT or firewall to connect to each other, but creates additional load on the computers and channels of users connected directly to the Internet.

The only central element for Skype is the identity server, which stores Accounts users and backups their contact lists. The central server is needed only to establish communication. Once the connection is established, the computers send voice data directly to each other (if there is a direct connection between them), or through a Skype intermediary (a supernode - a computer that has an external IP address and an open TCP port for Skype). In particular, if two computers located inside the same local network, have established a Skype connection with each other, then the connection with the Internet can be interrupted, and the conversation will continue until it is terminated by the users or there is some kind of communication failure within the local network.

Thanks to the codecs used by Skype (data compression algorithms) SVOPC (16 kHz), AMR-WB (16 kHz), G.729 (8 kHz) and G.711 (ILBC and ISAC were also previously used) and with sufficient Internet connection speed ( 30-60 kbit/s) in most cases the sound quality exceeds the quality of regular telephone communication.

When establishing a connection between PCs, the data is encrypted using AES-256, which in turn uses a 1024-bit RSA key to transmit the key.

The Skype VoIP protocol is closed and is used only by the original Skype software. Using the API, third-party programs can access its functions.

There are no cases of decryption and/or interception of data on Skype officially confirmed by the developer.

For stable use of video communication, an Internet connection speed of 200 kbps is required and a processor clock frequency of 1 GHz is desirable.

What is the history of Skype?

The first versions (versions 0.97, 0.98) of the program appeared in September-October 2003. The program simultaneously supported 10 languages ​​and had a simple, logical interface, initially adapted (unlike ICQ and MS-Messenger) for voice communication. During installation, Skype itself chose the Windows localization language and made login registration easier and faster than in competing programs. It was the ease of installation, learning and use of the program that quickly attracted the attention of a large number of users to it. In version 1.2, an answering machine (Voicemail) appeared for the first time, and starting from 1.3, any of its owners could leave messages to other users, even if they did not use this service. 1.2 also introduced the SkypeIn feature, which allows you to link your Skype account to a phone number.

Starting with version 1.4, it became possible to redirect calls to other Skype accounts, as well as to regular phones.

In version 2.0, for the first time, the possibility of video communication appeared, and in 2.5 - the ability to send SMS, organize Skypecasts (this technology has been officially disabled since September 1, 2008) and integration with Microsoft Outlook.

In version 3, a service (SkypeFind) appeared that allows users to create a list of companies and give a description of them. Nowadays it is filled to a large extent with spam.

Skype 3.5, version for Nokia Nst-4 The Skype client can be installed on a compatible phone or PDA, resulting in significant cost savings due to the low tariffs of the system. However, mobile operators do not want to lose excess profits and are slowing down the process in every possible way. T-Mobile is the largest provider cellular communications in Germany - stated that it would block Skype Internet telephony traffic on iPhone smartphones. It comes to the point that the lobby mobile operators is trying to ban Skype, and at the same time ICQ, in Russia.

What are Skype services? What are paid Skype services?

SkypeOut tariffs as of March 2006 in US dollars per minute of conversation SkypeOut Allows you to make outgoing calls to landlines and mobile phones in most countries of the world. Payment is per minute, differentiated. Calls to toll free numbers(such as +1,800 in the USA) are free, and even users who have not paid for the SkypeOut service can use them. Incoming Skype calls to a mobile phone are also made via SkypeOut Skype application Lite. 180 days after the last SkypeOut call, your balance expires. SkypeIn Allows you to receive phone calls from users of traditional telephone networks. In this case, the participant receives a telephone number in one of the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, France, Great Britain, USA, Japan and Hong Kong (China). All incoming calls to this number will be sent to your Skype account, and if the account is positive, calls can be forwarded to any phone number. As a bonus to phone number Skype provides a free answering machine for the entire time you use the number. Skype Voicemail Free services Main article: Skypecast Screenshot of the Skype program with participation in Skypecast SkypeCast (from the English Skype - VoIP and broadcasting program) - broadcasting, sometimes the abbreviation “cast” is used) - a type of voice communication between a group of Skype program users (up to 150 people). Outwardly similar to a conference call, however, unlike it, it is installed through a central server, as a result of which it does not place high demands on bandwidth channel of the user who initiated the conversation.

What are Skype gadgets and products?

Skype produces and sells various products for the Skype program. For example, wireless phone RTX Dualphone 3088 for calls without a computer. The phone allows you to make and receive calls both via Skype and on a regular telephone network without a computer. Skype also releases Freetalk Wireless headsets - wireless headphones with a USB transmitter for wireless communication via Skype, equipment for video calls (Freetalk Buddy Pack) and webcams (Freetalk Connect 2).

Attempts to ban Skype

Telecommunications Commission and information technology The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) is preparing recommendations on banning Skype in Russia. The interests of telecom operators participating in the RSPP are clear: thanks to the presence of Skype, millions of Internet users in Russia have the opportunity to bypass the existing high tariffs for international telephone communication. In addition, the initiators of the ban and the FSB claim that Skype is difficult to eavesdrop on due to its lack of connection to SORM.

In Belarus, all calls over the network must go through the state operator, and the use of other international networks, including Skype, is considered a violation of the law.

Europe's largest telecommunications company, Deutsche Telekom, said it would block Skype when people try to use it on an iPhone.

Access to Skype may be blocked by hardware. Verso Technologies and Cisco Systems have similar solutions. In particular, they are used by the largest Chinese provider China Telecom. Similarly, Skype is blocked in the UAE.

In response to attempts to ban Skype, its developers began to introduce traffic masking tools into the program to bypass VoIP blocking. In addition, Skype can work with proxy servers, VPN and Tor, which practically negates the effectiveness of its blocking.

Number of Skype users.

Year (end of year) Registered users Online users
2005 74 million 10.8 million

Comparison of Skype with other programs

	Skype	Net2Phone	MSN Messenger, ICQ, AIM, Yahoo Messenger	Other voice clients
Works with all firewalls No configuration required	V	X	X	X
Unlimited calls to other subscribers	V	V	V	Sometimes
Sound quality	Better, than by phone	Worse, than by phone	Worse, than by phone	Worse, than by phone
Security and encryption of connections	V	X	X	X
100% no ads	V	X	X	Sometimes

From Monday March 30, 2020, restrictions on movement around the city will be introduced in the capital. (home self-isolation) for all Moscow residents regardless of age.

The corresponding Decree number 34-UM dated March 29, 2020 was signed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on March 29, 2020. new document amends (adds) the previously issued Decree No. 12-UM dated 03/05/2020.

We tell you what can and cannot be done in accordance with the new Decree.

Despite the imposed self-isolation regime, in some cases it is still possible to leave the house. We list these cases below.

In what cases can you leave the house:
* In case of seeking emergency medical care.
* In case of a threat to life or health.
* In the case of going to a place of activity (work), the implementation of which is not prohibited. Previously we wrote about
* To purchase food and goods - go to the nearest store.
* In case of walking pets - at a distance of no more than 100 meters from the place of residence.
* If necessary, take out the garbage to the nearest waste accumulation site.

If you do need to leave the house, you should follow a number of rules.

How to behave on the street, in public places and public transport:
* It is necessary to maintain distance (social distancing), that is, not to approach other citizens at a distance of less than one and a half meters, with the exception of taxi rides.
* Comply with special social distancing markings in areas where they are posted.

The Decree does not apply to:
* for cases of medical provision. help.
* on the activities of law enforcement agencies and other bodies whose actions are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens.
* for vehicle traffic.
* for citizens who have been issued special passes.
* for cases of arrival and departure from the city.

Until what date will the self-isolation regime for all residents of Moscow, introduced on March 30, 2020, last:

In the published document The end date of the general self-isolation regime is not specified, introduced from March 30, 2020.

This means that the timing of lifting the home self-isolation regime will be announced additionally after the epidemiological situation in Moscow and the region improves and the spread of coronavirus infection begins to decline.

Skype is free software, allowing text, voice, and video communication via the Internet. At the moment, Skype is the most popular means of communication over the Internet.

The history of Skype

Before the creation of Skype, two young entrepreneurs Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis, together with Estonian developers, created the extremely popular file-sharing application “KaZaA”. However, in 2001 this application was declared illegal and was closed. As a result, all that remained from the former popular application for entrepreneurs was a unique P2P protocol, which was the main feature of the application.

Having so much unique code that made it difficult to intercept and track information transferred between computers, the entrepreneurs decided to create a new application based on it. They eventually received initial cash capital from an investor and began work.

On August 29, 2003, Skype Technologies was founded. On the same day, the first version of the Skype program was presented.

First versions of Skype

Initially, the program had extremely simple interface. The program also featured a simpler form of account registration. At that time, Skype could only be used to make calls. It is precisely because of its ease of installation and registration that the program has gained great popularity among users.

In subsequent versions of Skype, an answering machine appeared, and the ability to send messages to other users was also added. In the same version, for the first time, users were able to link a Skype account with a mobile phone number.

In version 2.0, the ability to make video calls was added.

Selling Skype

In 2005, Skype became extremely popular application. As a result, Ebay decided to acquire the rights to own the program. In the end, the app was sold for a record $2.6 billion. Thus, the founders of Skype Technologies became billionaires. Also, the programmers who worked on the creation of the program received $42 million. However, almost immediately after the sale, the former owners of the program sued Ebay for using the P2P protocol, which still belonged to them. The trial lasted for four years, and as a result, Ebay was forced to sell Skype. The former owners of Skype received a 14% stake in the service and also joined the board of directors.

During the time when Skype was owned by Ebay, the program acquired a new, more beautiful design. In addition, the number of registered users increased from 55 million to 400 million.

Sale of Skype to Microsoft

In 2011, Microsoft became seriously interested in purchasing Skype. As a result, both companies agreed to sell all rights to use the program for $8.5 billion. Microsoft took into account the mistakes of the previous buyer and previously discussed the acquisition of rights to the patent for the P2P protocol used in the application.
Having taken possession of Skype, Microsoft employees began to seriously update it. It was Microsoft that created the modern look for this application.

Features that the modern version of Skype has

• Voice communication. Using Skype, you can make free calls to the accounts of other users of the program. Moreover, you can communicate with one person or with several. It is also possible to make calls to numbers mobile phones, however, this function is paid.
• Video calls. Any user has the ability to make video calls with other users of the program. This feature requires a webcam.
• Sending text messages. Skype also makes it possible to communicate with program users using text chats. Moreover, the application stores the history of correspondence with all users for up to 30 days. For convenience, special sets of emoticons have been added to the program.
• Transfer of various files. Skype users can freely exchange various files up to 300 MB in size.

Benefits of Skype

• Absolutely free audio and video calls between service participants.
• Send text messages and make calls to mobile phone numbers at extremely low prices.
• The ability to make group conferences via audio and video calls.
• Ability to transfer various files.
• A screen sharing feature that allows call participants to see what's happening on your screen.
• Skype is suitable for Windows, Linux and Mac, and also works on iPhone, Android and WindowsPhone.
• Reliability and confidentiality. The developers of the program have taken many different security measures to create privacy during negotiations.

Today, many criticize Skype, a popular online calling service that was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. Former fans of the application complain on social networks that the software has become very difficult to use. IN App Store And Google Play people write negative reviews - users are not satisfied poor quality calls and huge battery consumption by the application.

In March, technology investor and commentator Oi Malik tweeted that Skype was once the "standard of quality" and expressed his outrage at the company's owner. “This is the destruction of Skype. I was forced to use it today, but it won't happen again."

Microsoft believes the criticism is exaggerated. They are sure that it is partly related to software updates. Of course, there are other factors that force many “Skypers” to look for new platforms for communication.

After purchase Skype Microsoft reoriented it to the corporate market. Due to these changes, the online calling service has become less convenient to use, and many users have switched to other applications owned by Apple, Google and Facebook.

Photo: Bloomberg. Steve Ballmer

The last time Microsoft released data on the number of Skype users was in 2016. At that time, about 300 million people used the application. Some analysts believe this figure has remained unchanged since then. Two ex-Microsoft employees, who wished to remain anonymous, claim that at the end of 2017, this number in user statistics remained the same.

Skype was founded in 2003 by a pair of Scandinavian entrepreneurs. The app freed people from the tyranny of phone companies by offering cheap calls abroad. Most used the service for free, and Skype money came from prepaid calls to regular phones. The company had many owners, including eBay. By 2011, it was under the control of a consortium of investors led by the Silver Lake fund.

In an effort to reduce Microsoft's dependence on the market personal computers, the company's former CEO Steve Ballmer decided to acquire Skype. He was attracted by the great potential of this online brand and paid 40% more than the appraised value for it.

“It was the most recognizable brand at the time. This was an opportunity for Microsoft to be part of something great,” said Laurie Wright, Skype executive.

Since the acquisition, Skype has always been positioned as a tool for making cheap or free international calls. Former Skype CFO Bill Kofod remembers border officials in other countries constantly telling him, “I can call my grandma with Skype!” “Skype is a legendary brand,” he says.

At first, Microsoft management promised to keep Skype independent from its corporate communications service Lync. However, two years later the integration of platforms began, resulting in Skype for Business, which became part of Microsoft package Office.

Today, Microsoft has literally replaced the corporate phone system with an app, adding elements of instant messenger, AI and social network. Teams, Microsoft's version of Slack, with Skype for Business. LinkedIn, another company acquired by Microsoft, will provide skypers with professional profiles of people they plan to call. In addition, Skype can now translate calls into twelve languages.

As evidence of the effectiveness of the new strategy, Microsoft cites the fact that Skype for Business clients include industrial giant General Electric, consulting company Accenture and the world's leading banks. Forrester analysts conducted a survey among more than 6 thousand IT employees of companies and found that 28% of them prefer Skype for Business for conference calls and only 21% use competing Cisco products for this.

Atkins, an architectural, engineering, construction and consulting services company, says 18,500 employees use Skype for calls, conferences and projects. “We did a full competitor analysis, but we trusted Microsoft's vision. Very rarely do we encounter any problems,” says Nick Ledger, collaboration manager at Atkins.

However, Microsoft paid a high price by putting the interests of corporations before the interests of users. If for the former the most important thing is the security of the service, its complexity and multi-component nature, then for the latter it is simplicity and convenience. As a result, the complexity of enterprise software has replaced the simplicity that users value. Although Microsoft maintains two separate applications - for business customers and ordinary users– both are based on the same technology, which is now based on the needs of corporate employees.

Skype has tried to accommodate everyone and has "always been outperformed by the competition," says Matthew Culnine, a user experience and content strategy expert at The Open University in the UK.

Frequent app updates don't help either. After design changes in the summer of 2017, Skype's ratings plummeted. Journalist Brian Krebs tweeted that the recent redesign was "probably the worst ever." This tweet and countless retweets caught the attention of the Skype team: “Brian, we're sorry for your inconvenience. We'd love to hear more criticism. We'll see if we can help you with anything."

Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi shared, “We all loved Skype for what it was—simple and no frills. Now he’s not the same.” She used to often use a paid Skype subscription to call her mother in Italy. Then her mother bought an iPad and they've been talking on Facetime ever since.

While focusing on the corporate market, Microsoft also did not pay attention to the growing popularity of instant messengers like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and WeChat. Microsoft killed Windows Live Messenger five years ago, just as WhatsApp's audience was starting to grow. Messenger now has 1.5 billion users, and its features include key Skype capabilities.